Cyclone Yasa: Two killed in Fiji as Tonga prepares for attack

Two people were killed by Cyclone Yasa, Fiji officials say, as the Category 4 storm heads toward Tonga.

Tonga’s meteorological service has issued a tropical cyclone warning for the entire island nation, with storm-force wind and gale warnings in effect for Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Vava’u and the main island of Tongatapu.

It occurs when Tropical Cyclone Yasa ripped through parts of Fiji, particularly in the north, knocking down trees and crushing houses overnight, forcing locals to move to higher ground and take refuge in churches and schools.

An advisory issued by the Tonga Meteorological Services, just before 11 a.m., classified Yasa as a severe category 4 meteorological event moving southeast at about 15 mph.

“The maximum sustained winds near the center are about 220 km / h, with momentary gusts of up to 300 km / h.”

It is expected to be located about 475 km northwest of the country’s capital, Nuku’alofa, at 1 p.m. today.

The public is warned of “destructive storm force winds”, heavy rain and thunderstorms with very strong seas at high seas.

There are also warnings for high winds, heavy rains, and flash floods; as well as a “strong damaging surf” warning for all coastal areas of Tonga.

New Zealand weather experts are also keeping a close eye on the movements of the cyclone, as there is still a possibility of it affecting New Zealand in the coming days.

‘Still very powerful’

WeatherWatch says the tropical cyclone has weakened slightly and is now a strong Category 3 event.

“It is still very powerful, deadly and dangerous. But this is an improvement for those in Yasa’s path: Fiji, Tonga,” said a Twitter alert.

The MetService said that although Yasa was now moving from Fiji, severe weather is still expected in parts of Fiji.

Meteorologist Tahlia Crabtree said it will start moving south over the next 24 hours and was on track to continue that way, into the ocean, where it appears to weaken.

As it approaches south, it will lose its tropical cyclone status, Crabtree said.

Another weather system is forecast to hit New Zealand next week, bringing heavy rain and high winds to some areas on Wednesday and Thursday.